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You don't have to drive up to wine country in order to sample the latest grape juice. San Francisco's wine bars have local varietals and much more from the rest of the world in a variety of atmospheres.

Hotel Biron has flavor, and not just the red and white kind. The cavern-like space lends itself to a first date's intimate conversation and equally to the boisterous laughter of comrades. It's laidback, inviting, and warm.

Close to downtown, you should check out Café Royale. A relaxed neighborhood wine bar and coffee house, they also serve international beers and soju cocktails. Work by local artists adorns the walls and the crowd is eclectic.

The Fillmore District is fortunate to have gained Fat Angel in 2010, a casual wine bar and café. "Whine after work" drops $1 off draft wines and beers, and the interior is cozy with a cool stamped tin ceiling and an extravagant chandelier overhead.

Sipping wine while gazing at the Bay elicits one of those sigh… life is good moments. Choose from 30+ wineries around the world or take one of the classes open to the public at Cellar 360.

If you like hobnobbing with zee French, head straight to Amelie, where the waiters ooze sex appeal in the perfectly dim lighting. Along the same lines, Taverna Aventine draws confident FiDi types and is also lively on the weekends. Pick your scene - the louder upstairs bar or the underground grotto.